U.S. patent application number 09/867096 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-05 for electronic thermometer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sherwood Services AG. Invention is credited to Babkes, Mitchell H..
Application Number | 20020181545 09/867096 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25349077 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020181545 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Babkes, Mitchell H. |
December 5, 2002 |
Electronic thermometer
Abstract
An improved electronic thermometer for rectal, oral, and
axillary temperature measurements includes a removable module that
houses a temperature sensitive probe and isolation chamber as well
as a supply of clean, uncontaminated disposable probe covers on a
single color coded module. Each removable module is interchangeably
operable with a single temperature calculating unit. This
thermometer design reduces the risk of patient exposure to all of
the common sources of contamination encountered in the use of
electronic thermometers by isolating the probe, the isolation
chamber, and a supply of disposable probe covers on one dedicated
removable module.
Inventors: |
Babkes, Mitchell H.;
(Maryland Heights, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Tyco Healthcare Group LP
15 Hampshire Street
Mansfield
MA
02048
US
|
Assignee: |
Sherwood Services AG
|
Family ID: |
25349077 |
Appl. No.: |
09/867096 |
Filed: |
May 29, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
374/208 ;
206/306; 374/158; 374/E1.012 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01K 13/25 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
374/208 ;
374/158; 206/306 |
International
Class: |
G01K 001/14; B65D
085/38 |
Claims
We claim:
1. An electronic thermometer comprising: a. a probe for sensing the
temperature and creating a signal representative of the sensed
temperature; b. a module housing having an isolation chamber for
receiving and storing said probes, and a storage chamber for
storing a carton of probe covers; c. a cable connecting the probe
to said module housing for delivering the electronic signal from
said probe to said module housing. d. a temperature calculating
unit having internal electronic circuitry capable of receiving a
signal representing a temperature reading, converting said signal
into said temperature reading, and displaying said temperature
reading in a visible display; e. a connector having a first and a
second component, the first connector component electrically
communicating with the cable, and the second connector component
electrically communicating with the internal electronic circuitry
of said temperature calculating unit, for passing the signal from
said module housing to the internal electronic circuitry in order
to convert the signal to an equivalent temperature reading.
2. The electronic thermometer of claim 1 wherein said temperature
calculating unit further comprises a mounting surface having
securing means thereon.
3. The electronic thermometer of claim 1 wherein said temperature
calculating unit further includes fastening means to secure the
removable module to said temperature calculating unit.
4. The electronic thermometer of claim 3, wherein said fastening
means are rails which engage the fastening means on said removable
module.
5. The electronic thermometer of claim 1 wherein said module
housing further includes fastening means for engaging the fastening
means on said temperature calculating unit.
6. The electronic thermometer of claim 5, wherein said fastening
means are tracks.
7. The electronic thermometer of claim 1 wherein said module
housing further includes securing means for engaging the securing
means on said temperature calculating unit.
8. The electronic thermometer of claim 1, wherein said module
housing further includes a locking tab to secure said module
housing to said temperature calculating unit.
9. The electronic thermometer of claim 1, wherein said probe, said
cable, and said module housing are color coded according to
standard colors adopted by hospitals.
10. The electronic thermometer of claim 1 wherein said module
housing is comprised of a translucent or transparent material.
11. The electronic thermometer of claim 1 wherein said module
housing includes at least one is comprised of a translucent or
transparent material.
12. The electronic thermometer of claim 1 wherein said module
housing further includes a cover comprised of a translucent or
transparent material.
13. The electronic thermometer of claim 1 wherein the storage
chamber further includes at least one projection on an interior
surface thereof to damage the carton of probe covers when removed
from the storage chamber.
14. The electronic thermometer of claim 1 wherein the isolation
chamber further includes a switch actuating device which triggers
an automatic on/off mechanism between said module housing and said
temperature calculating unit.
15. The electronic thermometer of claim 1 wherein the temperature
calculating unit further includes a button connected to the
circuitry of said temperature calculating unit to cause an on/off
response to the switch actuating device.
16. An electronic thermometer comprising: a. a probe assembly
comprising a probe for sensing a temperature and for creating a
signal representative of said sensed temperature, a first connector
component capable of electrically communicating a signal, and a
cable connecting said probe to said first connector component; b. a
module housing having an isolation chamber for receiving and
storing the probes, and a storage chamber for storing a carton of
probe covers; c. the temperature calculating unit having internal
electronic circuitry, a visible display, and a second connector
component for receiving a signal from the first connector component
and converting said signal into a converted temperature reading
representative of the sensed temperature, and displaying the
converted temperature reading in the visible display.
17. The electronic thermometer of claim 16 wherein said temperature
calculating unit further comprises a mounting surface having
securing means thereon.
18. The electronic thermometer of claim 16 wherein said temperature
calculating unit further includes fastening means to secure the
removable module to said temperature calculating unit.
19. The electronic thermometer of claim 18, wherein said fastening
means are rails.
20. The electronic thermometer of claim 16 wherein said module
housing further includes fastening means for engaging the fastening
means on said temperature calculating unit.
21. The electronic thermometer of claim 20, wherein said fastening
means are tracks.
22. The electronic thermometer of claim 16 wherein said module
housing further includes securing means for engaging the securing
means on said temperature calculating unit.
23. The electronic thermometer of claim 16, wherein said module
housing further includes a locking tab to secure said module
housing to said temperature calculating unit.
24. The electronic thermometer of claim 16, wherein said probe,
said cable, and said module housing are color coded according to
standard colors adopted by hospitals.
25. The electronic thermometer of claim 16 wherein said module
housing is comprised of a translucent or transparent material.
26. The electronic thermometer of claim 16 wherein said module
housing includes at least one is comprised of a translucent or
transparent material.
27. The electronic thermometer of claim 16 wherein said module
housing further includes a cover comprised of a translucent or
transparent material.
28. The electronic thermometer of claim 16 wherein the storage
chamber further includes at least one projection on an interior
surface thereof to damage the carton of probe covers when removed
from the storage chamber.
29. The electronic thermometer of claim 16 wherein the isolation
chamber further includes a switch actuating device which triggers
an automatic on/off mechanism between said module housing and said
temperature calculating unit.
30. The electronic thermometer of claim 16 wherein the temperature
calculating unit further includes a button connected to the
circuitry of said temperature calculating unit to cause an on/off
response to the switch actuating device.
31. A removable module for use with a temperature calculating unit
having internal electronic circuitry that is capable of receiving a
signal representing a temperature reading, converting said signal
into said temperature reading, and displaying said temperature
reading in a visible display and a second connector component
electrically communicating with the internal circuitry, said
removable module comprising: a. a probe assembly comprising a probe
for sensing a temperature and for creating a signal representative
of said sensed temperature, a first connector component
electrically communicating with the second connector component, and
a cable connecting said probe to said first connector component; b.
a module housing having an isolation chamber for receiving and
storing the probes, and a storage chamber for storing a supply of
probe covers.
32. The removable module of claim 31 wherein said module housing
further includes fastening means for securing said removable module
to the temperature calculating unit.
33. The removable module of claim 32, wherein said fastening means
are tracks.
34. The removable module of claim 31 wherein said module housing
further includes securing means for engaging the securing means on
said temperature calculating unit.
35. The removable module of claim 31, wherein said module housing
further includes a locking tab to secure said module housing to
said temperature calculating unit.
36. The removable module of claim 31, wherein said probe assembly
and said module housing are color coded according to standard
colors adopted by hospitals.
37. The removable module of claim 31 wherein said module housing is
comprised of a translucent or transparent material.
38. The removable module of claim 31 wherein said module housing
includes at least one portion is comprised of a translucent or
transparent material.
39. The removable module of claim 31 wherein said module housing
further includes a cover comprised of a translucent or transparent
material.
40. The removable module of claim 31 wherein the storage chamber
further comprises at least one projection on an interior surface
thereof to damage the carton of probe covers when removed from the
storage chamber.
41. The removable module of claim 31 wherein the isolation chamber
further includes a switch actuating device which triggers an
automatic on/off mechanism between said module housing and said
temperature calculating unit.
42. The removable module of claim 31 wherein the temperature
calculating unit further includes a button connected to the
circuitry of said temperature calculating unit to cause an on/off
response to the switch actuating device.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to electronic thermometers,
particularly those which utilize temperature sensitive probes and
probe covers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Electronic thermometers have been widely used for quick and
accurate measurements of body temperature. A temperature sensing
probe is inserted orally, rectally, or in an axillary (under the
arm) position to measure a patient's temperature. The temperature
sensitive probe is connected to the thermal circuitry in a
temperature calculating unit by an electrical cable. The
temperature sensitive probe generates a signal. This signal passes
through the electrical cable to the temperature calculating unit,
where the signal is converted into an equivalent temperature
reading. The temperature calculating unit has a digital display
which shows the calculated temperature reading.
[0003] Before each measurement, a disposable plastic probe cover is
placed over the probe. The probe cover is then disposed after each
temperature reading and a new probe cover is used for each
subsequent measurement. When not in use, the temperature sensitive
probe is stored in a housing, well, or recess associated with the
temperature calculating unit to minimize probe damage and probe
contamination.
[0004] Prior art electronic thermometers are susceptible to at
least three major sources of contamination in typical use. First,
these thermometers employ the same temperature sensitive probes for
oral, rectal, and axillary temperature measurements. Even though
disposable plastic probe covers are used for each measurement,
cross-contamination may still result from use of the same probe.
Therefore, rectal or axillary contaminants on the probe may be
passed orally to the same patient, or other patients.
[0005] The second source of contamination involves the probe
storage chamber. Probes are stored in a single housing recess
connected to the temperature calculating unit. This recess, once
contaminated, may spread contamination to other probes as they may
be interchangeably stored in the same recess. Over time the storage
chamber may also collect debris and contamination from the storage
of multiple probes. So again, contaminants on the probe from rectal
or axillary use may be passed orally to the same patient, or other
patients.
[0006] The third source of contamination relates to the disposable
probe covers. Each time a patient's temperature is measured, the
probe is inserted into a box of unused disposable probe covers. The
probes of the prior art share a common source of probe covers, so
different probes are repeatedly inserted into the same carton. The
probe, then, once contaminated, may spread contamination to other
unused probe covers. Contaminants deposited on the unused probe
cover may then be passed on to the same patient, or other
patients.
[0007] Since electronic thermometers are used for oral, axillary,
and rectal temperature measurements, universal color codes have
been adopted by hospitals, using red probes for rectal temperature
measurements and blue probes for oral and axillary temperature
measurements. This color coding system makes it very easy for the
healthcare practitioner to use the proper probe for each
temperature reading, reducing the potential for
cross-contamination.
[0008] The use of a blue probe for oral and axillary temperature
measurements and a red probe for rectal temperature measurements
reduces the first source of contamination. Separating probe use in
this manner also improves patient perception issues related to the
health practitioner using the same probe for all types of
temperature measurements. Such practice, however, requires two
thermometer units to be available at each location if the probes
are not interchangeable. Maintaining two units at each location has
been considered an inefficient and costly measure. Such a practice
also makes the practitioner susceptible to using the most
convenient, yet inappropriate, unit.
[0009] Some have developed thermometers with detachable probe
units. U.S. Pat. No. 4,008,614, assigned to Johnson & Johnson,
New Brunswick, N.J., discloses an electronic thermometer unit
usable with an oral temperature probe permanently attached to an
oral isolation chamber. Similarly, there is a rectal probe
permanently attached to a rectal isolation chamber. Connecting the
probe and isolation chamber together as one unit thus precludes the
inadvertent use of a probe with the wrong isolation chamber.
[0010] Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,619,271, assigned to
Cheesebrough-Pond's, Inc., discloses an independent replaceable
probe unit including a probe member and a probe chamber for holding
the probe member, which can be easily removed and replaced together
as a unit. The probe, cable, and isolation chamber are all the same
color. The permanent connection assures that the health
practitioner stores the probe in the proper isolation chamber, thus
reducing the risk of contamination leading to infection. A
significant limitation of each of these approaches is that even
though the probe is permanently attached to an isolation chamber,
both the oral and rectal probe units will be repeatedly and
interchangeably inserted into the same box or boxes of probe
covers, still exposing the probe to possible contamination.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,572,365, assigned to Cheesebrough-Pond's
Inc., discloses an improved probe cover holding and dispensing
arrangement, the objective of which is to provide convenient access
to clean probe covers. An electronic thermometer housing contains a
chamber for receiving a carton of probe covers. Once the carton is
inserted and secured within the housing, an aperture in the
thermometer housing, normally closed by a sliding cover, provides
access to the inserted carton of probe covers. Still, in this
arrangement, the probe and isolation unit may be interchanged
between oral and rectal without changing the cartridge of probe
covers. Both oral and rectal probe units share access to the same
source of probe covers, providing a source of
cross-contamination.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,260,058 to Seymour et al. discloses an
arrangement of mounting a holder on top of the thermometer device
to receive a cartridge of probe covers. However, in this approach,
probe covers are still stored with the temperature calculating
unit. The disclosed arrangement does not require a dedicated probe
and isolation chamber. This again may allow both oral and rectal
probes access to a shared source of probe covers, providing a
source of contamination.
[0013] Each of these prior art approaches fails to address the
exposure to contamination as each temperature sensitive probe, oral
or rectal, is repeatedly inserted into the same box or boxes of
probe covers. In each approach, the same source of probe covers is
used whether the covers are stored in connection with the
temperature calculating unit or separate from the thermometer
altogether.
[0014] Currently there is a need for an electronic thermometer
which reduces patient exposure to all sources of
cross-contamination, aids in infection control, and provides a
clean, uncontaminated, readily accessible source of probe
covers.
SUMMARY
[0015] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a
thermometer that reduces all three major sources of contamination
and cross-contamination by eliminating the use of the same probe
for oral, axillary, and rectal temperature measurements, the use of
the same storage chamber for each type of probe, and the use of the
same supply of probe covers for each type of probe.
[0016] It is another object of this invention to provide a
removable module capable of receiving and storing both a
temperature sensitive probe and a clean, uncontaminated supply of
disposable probe covers.
[0017] It is a further object of this invention to provide a
removable module with an isolation chamber that prevents the
storage of a temperature sensitive probe with a probe cover
remaining on the probe.
[0018] It is yet another object of this invention to provide a
removable module that allows the practitioner to readily view a
supply of probe covers through a transparent module housing without
disassembling or physically contacting the removable module.
[0019] It is still another object of this invention to provide a
module housing which aids in infection control by being easily
cleaned or inexpensively replaced.
[0020] The present invention reduces the risk of a patient's
exposure to all of the common sources of contamination encountered
in the use of electronic thermometers. The minimization in risk is
accomplished by isolating the storage of the temperature sensitive
probe and the disposable probe covers used for oral, axillary, and
rectal temperature measurements into dedicated units, or
modules.
[0021] This invention features at least two types of removable
modules interchangeably operable with one temperature calculating
unit. The removable module is comprised of a probe assembly and a
module housing. The module housing includes two chambers, one to
store the probe and one to store a fresh supply of probe covers.
Each of the module housing and probe assembly are color coded
according to the standard convention of red for rectal measurements
and blue for oral and axillary measurements.
[0022] In the described embodiment, a red probe assembly is
attached to a red module housing, the housing containing an
isolation chamber to store the temperature sensitive probe and a
storage chamber to store a supply of disposable probe covers.
Similarly, a blue probe assembly is attached to a blue module
housing, the housing containing an isolation chamber to store the
temperature sensitive probe and a storage chamber to store a supply
of disposable probe covers. The removable module requires that the
rectal probe, with the supply of probe covers, is used only with
the rectal probe. These dedicated modules prevent the commingling
of the probe, the isolation chamber, and the probe cover supply
during temperature measurement, thus minimizing thermometer
contamination.
[0023] Another feature of the present invention is that the module
housing may be made of a translucent or transparent material. The
transparent, or partially transparent, housing allows the
healthcare practitioner to conveniently view the remaining supply
of probe covers at any given time. The carton of disposable probe
covers described in the preferred embodiment has a tear away top
and/or side panels. When these cartons are used together with the
transparent or partially transparent removable module, the
healthcare practitioner can view and count the remaining probe
covers through the module housing. This improved design provides an
easily viewable arrangement that helps avoid the necessity to
physically contact the housing or probe covers in order to check
the remaining supply.
[0024] These and additional features and advantages of the
invention disclosed here will be further understood from the
following detailed disclosure of the preferred embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic thermometer
according to the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic thermometer
showing a removable module being secured to a temperature
calculating unit.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the removable module of
FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a temperature
calculating unit showing the connection means for securing to the
removable module.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a removable module
showing the connection means for securing to the temperature
calculating unit.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an alternate embodiment
of a removable module.
[0031] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a carton design to hold
disposable probe covers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0032] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a thermometer 10 according to the present
invention. Thermometer 10 includes a temperature calculating unit
200 to which a removable module 100 is secured. When removable
module 100 is secured to temperature calculating unit 200, a first
connector component 120 and a second connector component 220, shown
in FIGS. 4 and 5, are properly aligned and together form a
connection. This connection allows a signal detected by probe 161
to be transmitted from removable module 100 to temperature
calculating unit 200. Once received the temperature calculating
unit 200 converts the signal to a temperature reading 280.
Temperature reading 280 is observed through a display window
282.
[0033] With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 5, removable module 100
comprises a temperature sensitive probe assembly 160 and a module
housing 180. The probe assembly 160 further comprises a probe 161,
an electrical cable 162, and the first connector component 120.
Temperature sensitive probe 161 is attached to electrical cable
162, which is connected at the opposite end to the first connector
component 120. Probe assembly 160 locks into module housing 180 at
a housing orifice 122. Probe assembly 160 may be unlocked and
detached from the module housing 180 for replacement if needed, but
under normal operating conditions it is fixedly attached to the
module housing 180.
[0034] Module housing 180 contains a isolation chamber 140 and a
storage chamber 182. As best shown in FIG. 5, isolation chamber 140
is positioned in the center of the backside wall of module housing
180. Probe 161, when not in use, is inserted into the isolation
chamber 140. When the removable module 100 is in its secured
position to the temperature calculating unit 200, the probe 161
rests between the temperature calculating unit 200 and the storage
chamber 182, providing additional physical protection to probe 161.
Although this is the preferred location, the isolation chamber 140
may be located anywhere within module housing 180 for purposes of
this invention. The inside diameter of the isolation chamber 140
corresponds to the outside diameter of the probe 161 such that
probe 161 cannot be inserted into the isolation chamber 140 with a
probe cover 184 still attached to probe 161.
[0035] Since the probe 161 and the isolation chamber 140 are both
components of the same removable module 100, the probe 161 can be
stored in one and only one isolation chamber 140, thus reducing the
possibility of cross-contamination and spread of infection. If
there is concern that the isolation chamber 140 has in any way been
contaminated, the entire removable module 100 may be removed for
submersion cleaning. Alternatively, the module housing 180 may be
inexpensively replaced.
[0036] At the bottom of isolation chamber 140 there is a switch
actuating device, such as a paddle indicator 145 shown on FIG. 5,
which triggers an automatic on/off mechanism. When the probe 161 is
inserted into isolation chamber 140 during periods of non-use, the
probe 161 pushes the paddle indicator 145, bending it into contact
with button 245 on temperature calculating unit 200 (shown on FIG.
4). Button 245 is linked to the electronics of the temperature
calculating unit 200. When depressed, button 245 causes the
temperature calculating unit 200 to turn off. Upon withdrawal of
the probe 161 from the isolation chamber 140, the paddle indicator
145 releases. This causes the temperature calculating unit 200 to
turn on and prepare for a temperature measurement. This automatic
on/off mechanism conserves the battery life of the temperature
calculating unit 200.
[0037] Paddle indicator 145 may also be used as a reset button,
indicating when a new temperature reading may be taken. If the
temperature calculating unit 200 has a timed shut off mechanism,
the paddle indicator 145 may be used to reactivate the temperature
calculating unit 200. This may be accomplished by inserting and
removing probe 161 from isolation chamber 140, thus triggering the
paddle indicator 145 and turning on temperature calculating unit
200. The paddle indicator 145 may be any type of mechanical,
electrical, magnetic or optical switch capable of differentiating
between the presence and absence of the probe 161 in the isolation
chamber 140.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 3, module housing 180 also contains
the storage chamber 182. A carton 186 of disposable probe covers
containing disposable probe covers 184 fits snugly into the storage
chamber 182. The carton 186 may be perforated with tabs such that
the practitioner can pull a perforated tear away tab and expose
several probe covers 184. For example, FIG. 7 shows a carton 186
used with the current embodiment. A perforated top tab 187, when
pulled, tears a portion of the top of carton 186 to provide an
opening for the probe 161 to insert into a disposable probe cover
184. Similarly, a side panel perforation 188 may start at the top
and remove a side panel. The cartons 186 may be designed with one
or both of the perforated top tab 187 and the side panel
perforation 188. As will be described in more detail below, these
designs provide a convenient means for the practitioner to take
inventory of the supply of probe covers 184 contained within
storage chamber 182.
[0039] In an alternate embodiment, the storage chamber 182 may
contain means to prevent the box of disposable covers from being
removed and used interchangeably with other removable modules 100.
For example, as shown on FIG. 3, the storage chamber 182 may
contain small projections 189 that puncture the sides of the carton
of probe covers 186 such that if one attempts to remove the carton,
the carton rips. In another embodiment, the carton 186 may have a
perforated bottom that tears. Therefore, if the carton is removed,
the bottom would tear out. The practitioner would then need to
insert a fresh carton 186 of probe covers 184 into the storage
chamber 182. This deters one from switching the probe covers from
one removable module to another, increasing the potential for
cross-contamination.
[0040] The entire removable module 100, including the probe 161,
the electrical cable 162, the first connector component 120, and
the module housing 180, is color coded according to the standard
convention of blue for oral and axillary measurements and red for
rectal measurements. In addition to being color coded, the module
housing 180 of the present embodiment is transparent or
translucent. Such a transparent housing allows the practitioner to
conveniently view and count the number of probe covers 184
remaining in the carton 186 at any given time. Transparency of the
module housing 180 also allows the practitioner to read the
information on the carton 186, including instructions for use,
warnings, and reordering information. The completely transparent
module housing 180 is one example of the present invention and
should not be limiting to the invention.
[0041] The module housing 180 may have, for example, one
transparent portion only, such as any one side, top, front, or back
panel. When the carton 186 shown in FIG. 7 contains a top
perforated tab 187, the contents may be viewed through a
transparent top. Similarly, when the carton 186 contains a side
panel perforation, the contents may be viewed through a transparent
back panel on the module housing 180. In these situations it is
necessary only to have one transparent or translucent top portion
or side panel to the module housing 180 for viewing and
counting.
[0042] In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 6, storage chamber
182 is enclosed by a transparent cover 165 that pivots open on
module housing 180. The storage chamber 182 will remain closed when
not being used. To access the probe covers 184, cover 165 may pivot
open around bushing 164. Again, the supply of covers 184 may be
viewed through cover 165.
[0043] The module housing 180 has fastening means to aid in
mounting the removable module 100 to the backside of the
temperature calculating unit 200. As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5,
the fastening means used in the current embodiment are tracks 170
and 172, which are molded recesses in module housing 180. These
tracks 170 and 172 receive rails 270 and 272 on the temperature
calculating unit 200. In addition, the module housing 180 contains
securing means 142 and 144, which are also molded recesses in the
module housing 180. Recesses 142 and 144 receive securing means 242
and 244 located on a mounting surface 240 of the temperature
calculating unit 200. Removable module 100 is attached to the
temperature calculating unit 200 by first aligning the rails 270
and 272 with tracks 170 and 172 and securing means 142 and 144 with
securing means 242 and 244, then sliding the removable module 100
down on to the mounting surface 240 until a locking tab 166 snaps
into place over the top edge of the temperature calculating unit
200. It should be understood that fastening means, securing means,
and locking tab, as defined by this invention, could be any
connection device or configuration of connection devices that serve
to firmly secure the removable module 100 in position on the
temperature calculating unit 200.
[0044] Temperature calculating unit 200 has a second connector
component 220 located on the side to which the removable module 100
is mounted. Second connector component 220 is wired to the
thermometer circuitry within the temperature calculating unit 200.
When the removable module 100 is secured to the temperature
calculating unit 200, first connector component 120 and second
connector component 220 mate to form an electrical connection. The
temperature calculating unit 200 receives the signal detected by
probe 161, transmitted through first and second connector
components 120 and 220, and converts the signal into a temperature
reading 280. The resulting temperature reading 280 is observed
through the display window 182.
[0045] The circuitry of temperature calculating unit 200 is powered
by a battery 400. The battery 400 is accessed through a cover 246
that fits into orifice 247 within mounting surface 240. In the
preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4, cover 246 is made from rubber
to create a water tight seal enabling the entire temperature
calculating unit 200 to be submersed in water for cleaning. The
cover 246 in this preferred embodiment further comprises the
securing means 242 and 244. To replace battery 400, cover 246 is
peeled away from the mounting surface 240 to expose the battery
400.
[0046] Referring again to FIGS. 4 & 5, in an alternate
embodiment removable module 100 and temperature calculating unit
200 also include means to detect the type of removable module 100
secured to the temperature calculating unit 200. Such means may
include a two part switch which enables the temperature calculating
unit 200 to sense the presence of an object connected to mounting
surface 240. Temperature calculating unit 200 may have a plurality
of recesses 320 on the mounting surface 240, each recess 320
containing a trigger device 322. There may be a plurality of
corresponding protrusions, such as posts 310, on removable module
100. When removable module 100 is connected to temperature
calculating unit 200, posts 310 fit into recesses 320, triggering
switches 322. Switches 322 are then sensed by temperature
calculating unit 200. Each type of removable module 100 may have a
different number or location of posts 310. For example, an oral
module 100 may have one post 310 which corresponds to switch 322
within recess 320 while the rectal module may have no posts 310 to
trigger switches 322. Two alternative signals result. These two
part switches then enable temperature calculating unit 200 to
detect the type of removable module attached. Once the module type
is detected temperature calculating unit 200 calibrates in order to
make the appropriate temperature measurements. Additionally,
including two recesses on mounting surface 240 provide the
temperature calculating unit 200 with the capability of
differentiating four different types of modules and operating
accordingly. It should be understood, however, that the two part
switches described may consist of any known electrical, mechanical,
magnetic or optical switch.
[0047] In another alternate embodiment first and second connector
components 120 and 220 may carry encoded information related to
probe identity and associated calibration parameters. Such encoded
information enables temperature calculating unit 200 to detect the
type of removable module 100 attached. As shown on FIGS. 4 & 5,
spring loaded posts 121 and pogo pins 123 on first connector
component 120 may be used to engage contact pads 221 on second
connector component 220. Again, for purposes of this invention, the
first and the second connector components may be any mechanical,
electrical, magnetic or optical contacts such that when the two
connection components are in proximity, a signal can pass from the
removable module 100 to the temperature calculating unit 200. Thus,
when removable module 100 is connected to temperature calculating
unit 200, temperature calculating unit 200 reads the encoded
information carried by the attached removable module 100 and
automatically sets the corresponding operating conditions.
[0048] In both alternate embodiments, when the oral/axillary module
100 is connected to the temperature calculating unit 200,
temperature calculating unit 200 reads the identity of the
oral/axillary probe 161. Second connector component 220, connected
to the electronic circuitry of the temperature calculating unit
200, in turn causes the display of an oral/axillary icon 283
located within window 282, as shown on FIG. 1. This indicates to
the practitioner that the thermometer 10 is ready to operate in the
oral/axillary mode. Similarly, when the rectal module 100 is
connected to the temperature calculating unit 200, temperature
calculating unit 200 reads the identity of a rectal module 100 and
displays a corresponding icon 283 within window 282, indicating
that the thermometer 10 is ready to operate in the rectal mode.
[0049] When a temperature measurement is to be taken the
practitioner selects the appropriate module and mounts the
removable module 100 on to the temperature calculating unit 200. By
way of example, if an oral temperature measurement is desired, the
blue removable module 100 is secured to temperature calculating
unit 200 by aligning the rails 270 and 272 of the temperature
calculating unit 200 and the tracks 170 and 172 of the removable
module 100. Once aligned the practitioner slides the removable
module 100 downward such that the bottom of the module 100 rests on
mounting surface 240 and securing means 242 and 244 mate with
recesses 142 and 144 until locking tab 166 snaps into place. This
attaching process is best shown in FIG. 2. When secured in this
manner, first connector component 120 and second connector
component 220 form the connection to activate the thermometer
10.
[0050] The temperature sensitive probe 161 is removed from the
isolation chamber 140, activating the thermometer to ready mode.
Probe 161 is then inserted into a probe cover 184 within storage
chamber 182. Insertion of the probe 161 into the probe cover 184
creates a snap fit between the probe 161 and probe cover 184. The
probe 161 is withdrawn from the carton 186 with cover 184 attached.
The practitioner pushes button 284, shown on FIG. 1, to select the
oral or axillary mode. A short beep indicates that the thermometer
10 is ready to take a measurement. Probe 161 is inserted into the
patient's mouth. When the measurement is complete a long beep is
sounded and the final temperature reading 280 is displayed.
Temperature reading 280 is observed through display window 282. The
probe 161 is withdrawn from the patient's mouth. Button 168 is then
depressed to eject the probe cover 184 into a bio waste container,
which is then disposed according to current medical practices or
local regulations regarding disposal of infectious, biological
waste. Probe 161 may then be inserted into another probe cover 184
in carton 186 again if another reading is desired. Alternatively,
probe 161 is inserted back into the isolation chamber 140 for
storage. The insertion of the probe 161 into the isolation chamber
140 switches the thermometer 10 to standby mode.
[0051] If a rectal temperature measurement is next desired, it is
necessary only to change the removable module 100. To remove the
oral module 100, the practitioner first pulls back on the locking
tab 166. Once the tab 166 is released, the practitioner slides the
module 100 off of rails 270 and 272 to disengage the module from
the temperature calculating unit 200. The rectal module 100 is then
secured to temperature calculating unit 200 in the manner described
above.
[0052] In the embodiment described, then, the probe, the isolation
chamber, and the probe covers are contained within one unit, the
removable module. This removable module prevents the
interchangeable use of the probe, the isolation chambers for
storage, and probe covers. Thus the removable module of the current
invention reduces all major sources of contamination by preventing
the commingling of the probe, the isolation chamber, and the
disposable probe covers. At the same time the thermometer unit of
the current invention remains cost effective since it requires only
one temperature calculating unit to use with all types of
probes.
[0053] It is to be understood that the described embodiments of the
invention are illustrative only, and that modifications thereof may
occur to those skilled in the art: Accordingly, this invention is
not to be regarded as limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is
to be limited only as defined by the appended claims.
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